分类: sports

  • Shallow to complete CWI term but will not Seek re-election amid new political role

    Shallow to complete CWI term but will not Seek re-election amid new political role

    In a significant development for Caribbean cricket governance, Dr. Kishore Shallow has announced he will complete his term as President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) despite recent election to political office, though he will not seek re-election when his current mandate expires. This decision follows Shallow’s successful electoral victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he secured the North Leeward constituency seat for the New Democratic Party administration.

    Addressing the region on Sunday, December 8th, Shallow acknowledged the complexity of balancing dual leadership roles but emphasized his commitment to seeing through organizational reforms already initiated under his presidency. “After considerable reflection, I believe ongoing projects require consistent leadership to reach completion,” Shallow stated. “Therefore, I will conclude my current term while formally declaring my intention not to pursue re-election.”

    The CWI president revealed he had received extensive congratulations from within the cricket community following his political success. He reiterated that his primary objective has always been strengthening CWI’s administrative framework to ultimately enhance team performance on the field.

    Shallow provided concrete metrics regarding reform progress, noting that over 70% of recommendations from the Wehby Report on governance restructuring have been implemented, with additional areas slated for review during the remainder of his term.

    Addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Shallow highlighted precedents within international cricket governance. “Several colleagues at the International Cricket Council currently serve or have previously served as government ministers or parliamentarians,” he noted. A comprehensive due-diligence review confirmed no legal or ethical conflicts exist between the roles.

    Shallow further clarified that the CWI presidency is neither a salaried position nor a full-time occupation, with daily operations managed by CEO Chris Dehring and a professional staff of over fifty based in Antigua. He suggested his unique position could actually foster improved collaboration between regional governments and cricket administration, potentially creating new avenues for support without compromising organizational independence.

  • Suriname kroont zich tot kampioen van Inter Guyanese Spelen 2025

    Suriname kroont zich tot kampioen van Inter Guyanese Spelen 2025

    Suriname has emerged as the decisive champion of the 2025 Inter Guyanese Games (IGS), held from December 5th to 7th in Georgetown. The Surinamese delegation showcased exceptional athletic prowess across multiple disciplines, securing the top position with an impressive total of 83 points.

    The competition witnessed Guyana claiming second place with 75 points, while French Guiana followed closely with 73 points. Suriname’s victory was characterized by dominant performances in swimming and volleyball, complemented by strong showings in chess, athletics, basketball, and futsal.

    Throughout the three-day sporting event, Surinamese athletes demonstrated remarkable combativeness, exceptional team spirit, and unwavering perseverance. Their consistent excellence across multiple disciplines highlighted both individual talent and collective coordination.

    This triumphant achievement at the IGS 2025 not only underscores the substantial growth and development of Suriname’s athletic programs but also serves as a powerful inspiration for the nation’s next generation of sports professionals. The successful campaign represents a significant milestone in Surinamese sports history, reflecting the country’s commitment to athletic excellence and international sportsmanship.

    The resounding victory provides momentum for Suriname’s sporting community as they look toward future regional and international competitions, building on this impressive demonstration of athletic capability and competitive determination.

  • Dominican Republic officially enters international padel circuit

    Dominican Republic officially enters international padel circuit

    In a landmark development for Caribbean sports, the Royal Dominican Padel Federation (RFDP) has achieved formal integration into the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Padel America. This strategic affiliation, finalized during the 35th FIP Assembly in Acapulco, Mexico, positions the Dominican Republic among over 100 member federations worldwide, marking a transformative moment for the nation’s sporting landscape.

    RFDP President Josep Isern heralded the achievement as a historic milestone that fundamentally integrates the Dominican Republic into padel’s global framework. This integration unlocks unprecedented opportunities for athletes, clubs, referees, and the broader sporting community, effectively connecting the nation to the sport’s international mainstream.

    The affiliation grants the Dominican padel community access to internationally sanctioned competitions, official FIP ranking systems, and professional development programs for judges, coaches, and players. This access is expected to significantly elevate the standard of play and administrative expertise within the country.

    This development coincides with padel’s explosive growth across the Dominican Republic. The sport has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in urban centers including Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Santiago, characterized by a rapid increase in dedicated courts, active players, and competitive tournaments. This domestic boom, heavily fueled by strong visibility and engagement on social media platforms, has now been matched with formal international recognition.

    The RFDP, as the national regulatory body for padel, oversees the racket sport that has captivated both young people and adults nationwide. This new international status is projected to strengthen the national high-performance pathway and pave the way for future Dominican success on the global padel stage.

  • MP Shallow to serve out term as CWI president

    MP Shallow to serve out term as CWI president

    Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), has firmly declared his intention to complete his current term leading the regional cricket body through 2027. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny regarding his capacity to balance both high-profile positions simultaneously.

    In an exclusive interview with iWitness News, Shallow revealed he has received explicit endorsement from Prime Minister Godwin Friday, regional leaders, and the CWI board to maintain his presidential role. The minister, who also serves as parliamentary representative for North Leeward, was elected unopposed to his second consecutive three-year term in March, following a similar uncontested election previously.

    Addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Shallow clarified fundamental misconceptions about the nature of the CWI presidency. “The position is not executive nor full-time,” he stated, explaining that the operational secretariat remains based in Antigua while he performs his duties remotely. The governing body is considering rebranding the role as ‘Chairman of the Board’ to better reflect its actual responsibilities.

    Shallow expressed confidence that his constituents overwhelmingly support his dual roles, attributing criticism to “a small minority with personal grievances” rather than genuine public concern. He guaranteed that his CWI responsibilities would not compromise his ministerial duties, pledging to resign immediately if workload conflicts emerged.

    The cricket administrator outlined compelling professional reasons for continuing his tenure, emphasizing the implementation of CWI’s 2024-2027 strategic plan. With approximately 70% of organizational reforms already achieved, Shallow aims to reach near-complete implementation before departing. Critical initiatives include financial stabilization through commercial operations restructuring, securing equitable revenue distribution from the International Cricket Council, and establishing a robust succession plan.

    Shallow noted that parliamentary representation in cricket governance is not unprecedented, citing current ICC board members who also hold legislative positions. His determination to continue stems from both board support and personal commitment to seeing through transformative changes he initiated, believing sustained leadership is essential for Caribbean cricket’s future stability.

  • APUA Telecoms Crowned 2025 Ministry of Sports Business League Football Champions

    APUA Telecoms Crowned 2025 Ministry of Sports Business League Football Champions

    APUA Telecoms has clinched the championship title in the highly competitive 2025 Ministry of Sports Business League Football Tournament following an impressive season marked by exceptional team performance and individual brilliance. The telecommunications giant demonstrated consistent dominance throughout the campaign, ultimately securing the top honor in a tournament that featured strong showings from multiple government ministries and private organizations.

    The Ministry of Agriculture emerged as runners-up in the final standings, while Hermitage Bay secured a respectable third-place finish. The group stage witnessed four organizations claiming top positions in their respective divisions: St John’s Development Corporation triumphed in Group 1, the Ministry of Agriculture dominated Group 2, Postal Services led Group 3, and Hermitage Bay topped Group 4. In a separate exhibition match, HMP United emerged victorious.

    APUA Telecoms’ success extended beyond the team championship to a clean sweep of individual accolades. Rakeem Joseph received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, while Tariq Highland was honored as Best Defender. The organization further demonstrated its comprehensive excellence with Berchel Andrew claiming Manager of the Year and Colin Ralph recognized as Coach of the Year.

    Other notable award recipients included Roy Gregory of Hermitage Bay, who secured the Most Goals distinction, and Chad Williams of the Ministry of Agriculture, named Best Midfielder for his outstanding contributions.

    Tournament organizers expressed profound gratitude to all participating teams and extended special appreciation to Hermitage Bay, Blue Waters Hotel, and Keyonna Beach for their substantial support. Significant recognition was also given to sponsors KOSCAB Antigua, Paint Plus, Cool & Smooth/JOMA Caribbean, and TWatkins Enterprise for their crucial role in the tournament’s success.

    The Ministry of Sports officially characterized this year’s competition as one of the most engaging editions to date, particularly praising the exceptional standard of play and exemplary sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the tournament.

  • U13 cricket final pits Babonneau against Soufrière

    U13 cricket final pits Babonneau against Soufrière

    The Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort will serve as the battleground for the historic conclusion of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association’s inaugural Under-13 tournament this Saturday, December 6. Sponsored by Laborie Credit Union, the championship match between Babonneau and Soufrière promises to showcase emerging cricketing talent at 2 p.m.

    Last weekend’s semifinals unfolded under challenging weather conditions with overcast skies and strong winds. In the first semifinal at Soufrière Stadium, Babonneau secured their place in the finals through a commanding performance. After winning the toss, captain Jovonnie Dorville elected to field first, restricting Desruisseaux to a modest 69-7 from their allotted 15 overs. Liam Anderson emerged as the standout batsman for Desruisseaux with 22 runs, while Babonneau’s bowling attack demonstrated remarkable discipline with Jahim Mathurin and Dorville each claiming two wickets, supported by tight spells from Michael Jones, Vincy Cadasse, and Kerlani Joseph.

    Babonneau’s response was equally impressive as they comfortably chased down the target, finishing at 71-2. Vice-captain Vincy Cadasse redeemed himself from recent subpar performances with an unbeaten half-century that anchored the successful run chase.

    The second semifinal witnessed Soufrière’s dominant bowling display against Dennery. The home team’s disciplined attack dismantled Dennery’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 36 runs. Kaiden Charlery emerged as the bowling sensation with impressive figures of 3-7, effectively containing Dennery’s batters throughout the innings.

    Despite facing early challenges in their run chase and losing wickets at regular intervals, Soufrière demonstrated resilience by surpassing Dennery’s total in the eighth over with seven wickets down. Eric Flavien complemented Charlery’s performance with an outstanding bowling effort of 4-13.

    Tournament organizers and cricket enthusiasts have praised the competition for exceeding its developmental objectives. The initiative has successfully revived cricket in regions where the sport had previously remained dormant, providing a significant boost to grassroots programs across the island. SLNCA president Wayne Auguste’s vision, coupled with Laborie Credit Union’s sponsorship, has created a sustainable platform for youth cricket development.

    Choiseul coach and umpire Johann Williams emphasized the tournament’s importance: “We haven’t had cricket at this level since my childhood. The progression from these young players has been remarkable, and while there’s room for improvement, their continuous development bodes well for Saint Lucian cricket’s future.”

    Although Laborie’s team didn’t advance beyond the initial knockout round, their unbeaten preliminary record has ignited renewed interest in the community. Makeva Anthony, representing the Laborie program, noted: “The credit union’s support has revealed the latent interest in cricket within our community. This tournament has shown we’ve been underestimating our children’s potential.”

    The championship match between Babonneau’s consistent bowling and batting depth versus Soufrière’s pressure-handling capabilities and home advantage promises an exhilarating conclusion to this groundbreaking development tournament.

  • International athletes shine as Run Barbados earns World Athletics certification

    International athletes shine as Run Barbados earns World Athletics certification

    Barbados has significantly elevated its position in the global sports tourism arena following the prestigious World Athletics certification awarded to its Run Barbados event. This accreditation, announced for the December 5-7 road-running festival, formally integrates the island nation into the international competitive athletics circuit, transforming it into a qualifying destination for major global marathons.

    The certification’s immediate impact was evident during the recent event, where international athletes dominated the podium. Colombia’s Sergio Lopez clinched victory in the FLOW Sand Dunes Half Marathon with a time of 1:11:31, followed closely by compatriot Oscar Acosta. The full marathon titles were claimed by Jamaica’s Jason Baker (2:46:31) and Colombia’s Palmenia Raquel (2:55:17) in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

    According to Kamal Springer, Sports Manager at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., this development represents a strategic advancement in the island’s tourism marketing. ‘This designation enables athletes worldwide to pursue official qualifying times, ranking points, and recruitment opportunities while experiencing Barbados,’ Springer noted. The island now boasts two internationally accredited sporting events, with Run Barbados joining its World Surf League-certified surfing competitions.

    Beyond international appeal, Springer emphasized the initiative’s domestic benefits: ‘We’re actively promoting our international calendar to local athletes, providing them with exposure to world-class standards right in their backyard.’ The program collaborates with the National Sports Council and Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture to ensure community engagement and participation.

    Future developments include expanding the event’s wellness components to attract non-competitive visitors, leveraging Barbados’s natural assets of beaches, cuisine, and tranquil environment. Springer confirmed ongoing discussions to host additional major events, including the World Bridge Championship in 2027, as part of a targeted strategy to address seasonal tourism fluctuations through sports tourism initiatives.

  • Cavalier snap winless run against MBU with 3-0 whipping in JPL

    Cavalier snap winless run against MBU with 3-0 whipping in JPL

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A dramatic shift in momentum unfolded at Stadium East on Monday as defending champions Cavalier SC delivered a stunning 3-0 defeat to league leaders Montego Bay United in the Jamaica Premier League. This decisive victory marked Cavalier’s first win against their rivals after three consecutive unsuccessful attempts, simultaneously halting Montego Bay’s impressive four-game winning streak.

    The match, part of a Monday double-header, saw Cavalier SC strategically dismantle their opponents. The scoring opened in the 34th minute when Jerome McLeary found the net, establishing an early lead. The second half belonged to Chad James, who executed a remarkable brace with goals in the 56th and 71st minutes. This commanding performance handed Montego Bay United their most significant margin of defeat this season and propelled Cavalier SC into fourth place in the league standings.

    In the accompanying fixture, Tivoli Gardens continued their impressive form following a league hiatus caused by hurricane Melissa. They secured a 2-1 victory over Waterhouse FC, extending their winning streak to three consecutive games. Nickalia Fuller emerged as the hero for Tivoli Gardens, scoring both goals for his team. After Fuller’s initial strike in the 22nd minute, Waterhouse managed to equalize through substitute Revaldo Mitchell in the 66th minute. Fuller ultimately sealed the victory with a dramatic winner in the 72nd minute, securing Tivoli Gardens’ fourth seasonal triumph and moving them ahead of Waterhouse into fifth position in the league table.

  • Hello World demolishes rivals in Santa Rosa

    Hello World demolishes rivals in Santa Rosa

    In a dramatic showcase of horseracing excellence, the 2025 local racing season approached its conclusion with the Stewards Cup at Santa Rosa Park in Arima on December 6. The grade one feature event, contested on a wet but rapid main track, unfolded as a captivating battle among five elite thoroughbreds racing over 1,200 meters.

    The competition, open to West Indian-bred three-year-olds and above plus imported two-year-olds and older horses, began with an even break when starter Wayne Campbell dispatched the field at 3:57 PM. Early positioning saw Hello World and stablemate Headliner establishing dominance at the 1,100-meter mark, with Hello World securing a slight advantage by the 800-meter pole.

    The race dynamics shifted dramatically as filly Sneaky Cheeky mounted a formidable challenge from fourth position, systematically overtaking competitors approaching the 600-meter marker. By the 400-meter point, Sneaky Cheeky had captured second place, though favorite Hello World had simultaneously extended his lead to two lengths.

    As the field turned toward the final stretch, Hello World maintained a commanding advantage while the battle for second intensified dramatically. In a stunning development, Headliner discovered extraordinary late-race speed, reclaiming second position with just 200 meters remaining and launching a serious challenge against his stablemate for the lead.

    Champion jockey Dillon Khelawan, recognizing the imminent threat, expertly urged Hello World to produce one final burst of effort, securing both the victory and the $42,435 prize. The win highlighted an exceptional day for Khelawan, who achieved four victories, while jockey Andrew Poon recorded a double. Champion trainer John O’Brien dominated the training ranks with three winners, with trainers Ramesh Ramroop, Glenn Mendez, and Johnathan Lyder each saddling one victorious horse.

    Racing action will continue on December 26 with the prestigious Gold Cup as the centerpiece event, contested over 2,000 meters on the main track. The co-feature will be the Juvenile Championship, a grade-two race covering 1,200 meters on the same course.

  • Nicholas Romany dominates in Barbados with 10K, mile titles

    Nicholas Romany dominates in Barbados with 10K, mile titles

    Trinidad and Tobago’s distance running sensation Nicholas Romany achieved an extraordinary sporting milestone at the 2025 Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend, securing his third consecutive double victory in both the Casuahina 10K Run and PWC Fun Mile events. The spectacular performances unfolded on December 6th in Barbados, where Romany demonstrated world-class endurance and strategic brilliance.

    Romany’s 10K triumph came in a blistering 31 minutes and 20 seconds, narrowly defeating four-time Run Barbados marathon champion Alex Ekesa (31:22), the Kenyan runner based in Trinidad and Tobago. Colombian athlete Sergio Lopez completed the podium with a time of 32:27.

    In a post-race analysis, Romany revealed his winning strategy: ‘The competition unfolded exactly as anticipated—extremely challenging due to the caliber of athletes. While this year’s course was flatter, the headwinds presented significant difficulties. I maintained pace with Alex throughout the race and deployed my finishing speed in the final stretch to secure victory.’

    The champion emphasized the psychological aspect of his performance, noting: ‘Mental resilience and determination were crucial in pushing through to the finish. I’m particularly grateful for the tremendous support from my teammates and compatriots.’

    Romany praised the event organization, highlighting the exceptional international camaraderie and vibrant atmosphere that characterizes the Run Barbados experience.

    Looking forward, the champion plans brief recovery before resuming training with ambitions to achieve Commonwealth Games qualification standards in the 1500-meter event.

    Other notable performances included Colombian Palmenia Berrio’s gold medal in the women’s 10K (37:02), while Trinidad and Tobago’s Christopher Mitchell dominated the Sleeping Giant men’s 5K event with an impressive 15:28 finish. The Trinidadian contingent demonstrated remarkable depth with multiple podium finishes across various events, including April John’s bronze in the women’s 5K and a complete sweep of the top four positions in the PWC Fun Mile event.

    The 2025 edition solidified Run Barbados’s status as a premier international running festival, attracting elite athletes from across the Americas and showcasing the growing dominance of Caribbean distance runners.